God is our standard

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance." 2 Corinthians 10:12 BSB 

With the year coming to a close, many runners are looking back and asking themselves things like, "Did I reach my mileage goal? Did I stick to my training plan?" And if you're one of those runners who tracked their progress on Strava and want to see how you 'measured up' against other runners in 2019, you're in luck. According to Runner's World Magazine, the app’s annual “Year in Sport” report is now out and lists the year's running trends that, they say, upon viewing may inspire your running goals for 2020. 

And you know, while there might be some advantages to comparing ourselves to others to determine how 'good' we are doing at meeting our running goals, Paul warned us against comparing ourselves to others to see how 'good' we are doing in our spiritual walks. You see, when you and I measure ourselves against others, we might think we're doing pretty 'good' and might even get a bit prideful - something Paul says shows our ignorance. Which is why you and I must measure ourselves only against the holiness of Jesus Christ so we can see how lacking in goodness and sinful we truly are.

So be careful in how you measure your goodness my friend. While you might think you're doing pretty 'good' saying, "Well, I'm better than Joe down the street who does... you fill in the blank," when compared to the holiness of God, you and I fall short every time and have absolutely no basis for pride.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Help us to see who we are against who You are Lord that we would not be lulled into a false sense of goodness but will always hold on to the reality that we are sinners saved by grace and a million miles away from meeting the perfect standard set forth by You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Less Like Me - Zach Williams